Windows 7: Low Octane Gaming Questions

I'm buying a new computer with Windows 7 pre-installed for my wife's parents in November. My mother-in-law plays games each night before bed, and insists that the new system handle her favorites. She currently plays a 1998 version of Free Solitaire, which runs well on Windows XP. She also wants to load up her 1999 Hoyle Card Games demo, which includes Spider Solitaire, Cribbage, Gin Rummy, and Freecell. She loves those old games and characters, and says that at 82 years, she shouldn't have to learn how to play new ones.




I know this is probably too basic a topic for this group. However, I would be totally embarassed to have an 82-year-old lady kick my butt. Please help with the following:

• Will those old games run okay on Windows 7?
• Would they be more likely to run properly on a 32-bit OS than 64-bit?
• Should they be installed in XP compatibility mode?
• Can you provide any links to articles on general Windows 7 game requirements, so I might become less dense?

Thanks for any help you can provide.
Jim

They probably wouldn't work very well on Windows 7 if they're from '98.

Try a 32bit system in compatibility mode if you want to try it.

Install the Windows 7 trial on another computer and install the games on it to test for sure.

Maybe that is just a bad idea? Do they actually need a new computer or is this just a gift idea? People who don't know a lot about computers generally do not want to learn anything new. They're afraid of change.

The XP box has hardware that's going south. My In-laws (both 82 years young) have avoided viruses since their 1st computer purchase in 2002. They perform their own computer maintenance chores, maintain their finances in spreadsheets, and stay in touch with family and friends via e-mail, webcam, and two messenger programs. They are also accomplished Internet users.

Your assumptions were a bit arrogant. Do you have any useful comments to the original post, or just like to run down seniors?

Please try to be civil. From the sound of your original post it sounded like the people you're doing this for are the type that don't like new technology.

Anyways, you could also try XP Mode, it may work well for what you want. You'll have to download it from the MS website.

Maybe a Win 7 XP virtual PC is the way to go?

Oh and I don't believe that sup3rsprt was trying to be arrogant, I honestly believe that he was being, well... Honest. Perhaps you just over-reacted or were being to sensitive?

I tried to give my parents each their own login and install Office so they didn't have to mess with hotmail login, etc, etc... Oh boy, that did not go well.

Thanks, everybody, for your suggestions.

If I misread sup3rsprt's comments, I apologize.

No worries jekeesl I guess I underestimated your elderly in-laws' computing abilities. No disrespect intended, sorry.

I agree with the others here. If you do happen to run into any problems with their applications, XP mode is a good way to go.